Russet Nightingale-Thrush

A chunky, medium-sized, remarkably drab babbler. Has a white throat in some parts of the range and uniformly brown underparts elsewhere. Found in the understory and at middle levels of rainforest at low and middle elevations, usually in small groups. Shy and skulking; rarely seen unless searched for. Very similar to Pale-breasted Illadopsis; note slight vocal differences, with a more pure whistled song. Brown Illadopsis is also slightly darker below, less richly colored above, and not as cleanly white-throated. Most often detected by voice. The highly variable song consists of single-note pure whistles separated by short pauses; sometimes the same note is repeated and sometimes consecutive notes differ, but listen for a haunting clear monotone whistle. Also gives scolding calls, sometimes accompanying the whistled song. 

Tiny woodpecker, common and widespread across much of North America. Black-and-white plumage is nearly identical to the larger Hairy Woodpecker. Focus on the bill: Downy has a very short bill, much shorter than the length of the head. Also note the small black markings on the white outer tail feathers. Pacific population has smaller white spots on the wing and a grayer body than Eastern birds. Occurs in any wooded habitat, though western birds are more restricted to riparian areas. Often forages on smaller branches than Hairy Woodpecker. Familiar visitor to backyard feeders, especially fond of suet. Calls include a soft “pik!” and descending rattle, weaker than Hairy Woodpecker.

A small fruit-dove of mangroves and disturbed forests in the lowlands. Bright orange forehead, white throat, gray chest which extends around the back of the neck, and pale purple spots on the wing. Small flocks often seen flying quickly over mangroves. Superficially similar to Beautiful Fruit-Dove, but Orange-fronted Fruit-Dove is found in more disturbed habitats and has a green rather than yellow belly and no dark red band. Call described as a series of soft “hoo” notes.